Faith renewed through ‘Sabado de Milagros’ (Saturday miracles)

Dominican Father Sergio Serrano, Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Father Pedro Nunez share a moment on stage at the recent “Sabado de Milagros” (Saturday Miracles) event at the Pontchartrain Center. It was organized by the Hispanic Apostolate of the archdiocese and the Mensaje ministry.

More than 2,300 people gathered at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner Aug. 18 to renew their faith in Jesus Christ by listening to the word of God as it was shared with them by internationally known speakers.

What was offered to the adults and nearly 200 children (ranging in age from 2-9, who were evangelized in adjacent halls) was the possibility of spending a Saturday with the Lord, believing that “faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

The message that resounded from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. was that Jesus is alive, and he will never leave us orphans. In the midst of the most difficult times we face as individuals and as a church, God will never abandon us. He will be there to heal us, to mend our brokenness and to renew us in faith and in love so that we, in turn, may renew and strengthen the church and our entire society.

Even after several days had passed since that day of personal encounter with the Lord, those who had attended could not stop talking about how powerfully transforming the event truly was.

The testimonies are many of individuals who were healed of a physical illness.

There were those who were healed emotionally, too, as they forgave and truly embraced the peace of Christ.

The great majority, however, have expressed that they have experienced a new beginning in their relationship with God.

We must recognize that the cooperation given by a substantial number of priests, working with Hispanics in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, was truly uplifting.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond reminded everyone present that the Hispanic community is indeed a blessing to all.

In addition to the faith sharing, many other things contributed to the event’s success, including the music, the liturgical dance performed byteenagers, the hospitable attitude of the volunteers and the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – which brought the “Saturday Miracles” event to a close as people prayed for a complete renewal of their lives.

Paula Belanger, assist­ant director of the Hispanic Apostolate of Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Father Pedro Nunez, director of Mensaje, contributed to this story. The event was sponsored by the Hispanic Apostolate and Mensaje.